New Yorkers rejoice after indoor mask mandate finally lifted - but there’s still a catch
Governor Kathy Hochul says masks will still be required in schools, childcare and healthcare centres
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New York state has lifted its indoor mask mandate as cases of the Omicron Covid variant plummetted by more than 90 per cent from their January peak.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would allow the state mandate requiring masks at businesses without vaccination status checks to expire on Thursday.
“We’re in a new phase of the pandemic, and we need to keep being smart and using the tools we have to fight Covid.”
Gov Hochul said face coverings will still be required on public transport, in schools and childcare centres, state-run nursing homes, homeless shelters and healthcare centres.
In New York City, many residents and businesses welcomed the move to lift compulsory mask use indoors.
“Welcome back New York,” one city resident tweeted.
Another tweeted: “I thank the masks for helping in the darkest days. We are not 2020 or 2021 now. We vaxed. We are moving forward.”
New York lifts indoor mask mandate joining California and N.J. 🔥
— Juli798686 (@juli_bg_bs) February 9, 2022
Thanks to Denmark🇩🇰 for paving the way.
PS. I thank the masks for helping in the darkest days. We are not 2020 or 2021 now. We vaxd. We are moving forward. https://t.co/KG2lGA6Ynz
“No more masks New York! This pandemic feels like it’s coming to a true end,” wrote one.
No more masks New York! This pandemic feels like it’s coming to a true end. 🥲
— Matt (@Matsac92) February 9, 2022
A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams said the city was still encouraging residents to wear masks, although has not mandated their use.
“We encourage all New Yorkers to continue to wear high-quality masks when indoors or in crowded spaces and to get vaccinated and boosted to stop the spread,” said Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Other cities and towns across the state would be responsible for setting their own rules on masking, Ms Hochul said.
“We hit our peak on January 7, but now we’ve noticed a 93 per cent drop in cases,” Gov Hochul said.
“That is exactly what we’ve been waiting for.”
Gov Hochul said she would review the mandate on masks in schools next month.
“We’re getting tests out so kids can come back safely from Midwinter break, and I expect to make an assessment on masks based on the data in early March,” she said.
Several neighbouring states including Connecticut, Delaware and New Jersey signalled they would lift mask mandates earlier this week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments